Two Choices

Submitted by: Wilford Stay

Category: Stories

It was December 1950 and I was concerned about being drafted for the Korean War. I thought things might be better if I enlisted so I stopped by the Recruiting Office. I was told I could have two choices either the Army or the Navy. If I chose the Navy that was it I would be sent off to Boot Camp. But if I chose the Army I could have two choices either the Artillery or the Infantry. If I chose the Artillery that was it. But if I chose the Infantry I could have two choices. Upon graduation I could stay Stateside and be a DI or I could go to Korea. If I chose to become a DI that would be it, but if I chose to go to Korea I would have two choices. I could stay back in reserve or go straight to the front. If I chose to stay back in reserve that was it. But if I chose to up front I would have two choices. If I was shot at there could be two choices either they missed me or hit me. If they missed me that was it. But if I was hit I would have two choices I would live or I would die. If I lived that was it. But if I should die there were two choices. They could bury me there or ship my body home. If they buried me there that was all. But if I was sent home there would be two choices I could be buried or I could be cremated. Now if I was buried that would be it. But if I was cremated there were two choices. My remains could be scattered or they could sell them to the paper factory. If I was scattered that was it. But if I was sold to the paper factory there would be two choices. I could be made into either facial tissue or toilet tissue. If I was made into facial tissue that was all. But if I was made into toilet tissue again there would be to choices. Either I could be put in the boy’s room or into the girl’s room. Now if I was put in the boy’s room that was it. But if I went to the girls room again two choices. With all this on my mind I went and joined the Air National Guard instead.

About the author:

Retired from the Air Force November 1974 with the rank of Major. Past Post Commander of Lester Keate Post 90 St. George Utah. Currently serving as Department of Utah Area 4 Commander.